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Debra King Missing Person Case

Last seen in Tacoma, Washington on Jul 26, 1982

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Victim Details

May 2, 2012

Jan 12, 2024

Debra

King

66

22

64 inches

110 lbs

White / Caucasian

Female

Jul 26, 1982

Tacoma

Washington

Pierce County

98404

No

11701

Tacoma Police Department

Tacoma

Washington

Pierce County

98409

Jack Nasworthy

Police Detective

3701 South Pine Street, Washington

2535915950

Local

Law Enforcement

https://www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_departments/police

82-2240547

Tacoma Police Department

Blond/Strawberry

Blue

Blue

Oct 8, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP14622) and 5 other sources
In the summer of 1982, a young mother named Debra Kay King, age 22, vanished from her life in Tacoma, Washington. She was last seen by her sister-in-law on July 26, 1982. At the time, she was living on McKinley Avenue in Tacoma. After that day, no one in her life would ever hear from her again. The days turned into weeks with no word from Debra, a silence that became increasingly alarming as she had a young son she had left behind. The circumstances surrounding her absence were troubling from the outset, leading those who knew her to fear for her safety.

It wasn't until more than two weeks after she was last seen, on August 12, 1982, that Debra King was officially reported as a missing person. This gap between her last known whereabouts and the official report added a layer of complexity to the initial investigation. Investigators were faced with a case where the trail had already grown cold. From the beginning, foul play was suspected in her disappearance. Debra was described as a white female with blonde hair, which she may have dyed, and blue eyes. She had a scar on her abdomen and an unknown tattoo on her left hand.

Decades have passed since Debra Kay King disappeared, yet her case remains unsolved, leaving a painful void for her family, especially the son she left behind. The lack of available details has made the investigation challenging over the years, turning it into a long-standing cold case. Her disappearance is classified as an endangered missing person case, a reflection of the serious concerns for her welfare from the moment she vanished. The overarching view of this case is one of profound and sudden loss, where a young woman disappeared from her community without a trace. The enduring mystery of what happened to Debra Kay King continues to be a source of unanswered questions and quiet grief.
Last Seen: Jul 26, 1982

Links to Additional Sources (5)

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  • DEBRA KAY KING - TACOMA, WASHINGTON - FBI
  • Debra Kay King - The Charley Project
  • [XML] DEBRA KAY KING - TACOMA, WASHINGTON - FBI
  • Debra Kay King was last seen in Tacoma, Washington on July 26 ...
  • 3585DFWA - Debra Kay King - Doe Network

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    77%Possible
    Jane Doe — Kent, Washington - unidentified case UP14083
    Jane Doe — Kent, Washington
    UP14083 • Found May 27, 2015
    View case
    Sex ✓Female
    Age 85%Est. 40–60 vs 22 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 99%15 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 33 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'4" vs 5'4"
    Weight 100%106 lb vs 110 lb

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Has anyone ever discussed whether Debra's tattoo on her left hand might hold any significance? I... ...Read More
    06/09/2024

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